Review of 'The Secret Life of Beatrice Alright' by Brooke Harris

Review of 'The Secret Life of Beatrice Alright' by Brooke Harris

Release date: Feb 7th, 2025

Publisher: Storm Publishing

REVIEW

Oh my, where do I begin! First I will say that Brooke Harris has an incredible gift to take difficult situations in life and create a story from the ashes and bones of trauma. Through highly detailed descriptions, exquisite atmosphere and moving dialogue, she paints such a vivid picture you are pulled into the storyline immediately. While she exposes the characters’ source of pain, our empathy ramps up to such a level we find ourselves choking back tears. We are drawn into an authentic drama, transported into the very shoes of the characters, to experience their emotional upheaval.

At times while reading The Secret Life of Beatrice Alright I felt physically ill. This poor woman Bea had to endure such disappointments. Her diligence to protect and care for her child is admirable. This plot grabbed my heart so fiercely I had to take breaks and step outside in the sun to level out my emotions. But, of course, I could not stay away very long as I wanted to keep reading—even when I guessed the outcome. For my heart was invested in the characters. They came across as people any of us could know. These sorts of events happen in the real world. Many become homeless for various reasons: loss of income, not enough income, high cost of living, abandonment, infidelity, betrayal to name a few—even death of loved ones are all common occurrences.

Bea had a rough childhood which is why she fought so hard to give her child a normal and secure life. She always wanted Ellie to feel wanted and loved. When Bea is betrayed by her much older boyfriend, pilot Declan, father of her child, she becomes homeless. She cannot afford to pay the costly rent while trying to feed and cover child care fees for Ellie. Her job at the hospital, as a cleaner, obviously pays small returns. Her financial dependence on Declan for major living expenses puts her in a bad position. For now that he is gone, she is unable to fill the financial gap. And worse, it is just before Christmas when he leaves her stranded. She has made mistakes, yes, and trusted the wrong man but it becomes obvious she is a good person with a caring heart for others in distress: some qualities that would have gone far in the profession she originally had chosen. We learn that Bea dropped out of university when she was studying to be a doctor to care for her daughter.

Cora, Bea’s best friend, tries to help but her boyfriend is not happy to have Bea and her daughter as guests. So Bea moves into a storage closet at the hospital with her daughter and tries to dodge her boss and co-workers from discovering her sleeping arrangements. A lot happens during this time and the trials keep mounting. Then she meets an elderly man, Malcolm, and his grandson Shayne who radically alter her life. Bea has a lot of compassion and when she sees an elderly man outside the hospital sitting on a bench in the cold with no hat, she is worried for his health. She tries to help him. Yet he insists he is fine. But as she gradually gets to know him and the reasons he is there, her heart becomes heavily invested in his predicament. And though things are grim, Malcolm is full of surprises. He has a wicked sense of humour, is somewhat stubborn but has a heart of gold and helps her in ways she’d never imagine. He is good with her daughter, too, and they all build a warm and rewarding relationship that fills gaps in their lives. Bea actually works for his daughter, Elaine, at the hospital but the relationship between father and daughter is not good. And, of course, Bea tries to do something about that. Then caring grandson, Shayne, enters the picture. He is back in Dublin from New York. He has been very worried about his grandfather and continues to check on him. When he meets Bea and Ellie through their time with Malcolm, a warmth develops between them and you know they are going to be good for each other, if given the chance. This ‘family’ of relatives and friends is truly beautiful and their joyful moments of kite flying represent a freeing of their cares to become a time of healing and restoration. There are a few sad outcomes but the ending also shows how new life can spring from the traumas and trials of the past.

I loved this novel. It moved me in so many directions emotionally with its powerful, passionate and triumphant delivery. Be prepared for your heart to shatter and your eyes to fill with tears for this is moving, magical and mesmerising fiction that reflects the serious truths of life. The novel covers the good and bad of relationships. But also the reality of homelessness for many. And Brooke Harris paints a vivid unforgettable picture of those who have experienced it and overcome the odds. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for a review copy.